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Century-old water mains to be replaced in northwest Rogers Park

October 18, 2017

Dear Neighbor,

Work crews from the city of Chicago will install new water mains on Birchwood from Winchester to Ridge, on Winchester from Howard to Fargo, and on Fargo from Wolcott to Damen. Work is set to begin October 19 on the new 16-inch water main. It will replace a century-old main, portions of which were installed as long as 125 years ago.

NPL, the company that installed the water main on Touhy, originally was scheduled to do this new work. However, I was unhappy with the delays and the mess they made in the ward, so I asked the Water Commissioner to remove them from this job. He agreed and ordered city work crews to do this work.

The new water main will make water service more reliable for residents, businesses, and firefighters, while reducing the need for costly and inconvenient repairs.

Though you will experience some temporary inconvenience and street disruptions, I will make sure residents and businesses in the area are informed of the project’s progress every step of the way. I will publish weekly updates on on my website.

Also, if you would like to receive regular email updates about the project, visit BuildingANewChicago.org to register for the WaterALERT program. Enter your name, email address and the project identification number: 1701042.

In addition, my office will distribute fliers door-to-door in the area to inform residents and businesses of any major developments they should be aware of.

Parking in the designated work areas will be restricted during work hours–generally 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Parking outside of those hours will be allowed, but you must move your car by the start of each workday. I have asked the contractor to limit parking restrictions to active construction sites and areas where equipment must be stored.

I know neighbors in this area have endured the parking inconveniences caused by the sewer main work in August, as well as street resurfacing on Fargo. I thank you for your patience as we get through this needed water main work.

City crews will begin the work on Birchwood at Ridge, and on Fargo at Damen. This work will run through December at least, as the city crews have to replace portions of almost 50 private drains. Then the excavated part of the streets will be covered with concrete until resurfacing with new asphalt is done in the spring when the weather is better.

If you live in the affected area, you will experience water service disruption when your property is connected to the new main. Notice will be posted 24 hours in advance of the work. Also be aware that you may experience emergency water shut-offs with little to no notice. However, city crews will try to avoid that if at all possible.

I apologize in advance for the temporary inconveniences this project will entail, but at the end we will enjoy a brand new water main and a newly resurfaced streets on Birchwood, Winchester and Fargo.